Fluorescent Bulbs Vs. Incandescent Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs get much press for being more efficient than traditional ones. But are they better than a normal light bulb? Traditional incandescent bulbs usually come in 60 to 100 watts. They are termed incandescent because the filament inside the bulb, when heated, incandesces (that means it glows).

Unfortunately incandescent bulbs do have a drawback. They burn much electricity. Much more heat (90%) is produced than light (only 10%). Most bulbs produce 15 lumens for each watt of power used.

Fluorescent bulbs do not produce light however in the same way that a traditional incandescent bulb does. Here is a quick breakdown of how fluorescent bulbs work:

• Streams of electrons flow between electrodes found at each end of a fluorescent tube.
• These electrons pass through argon and mercury vapors inside the tube.
• When the electrons mix with the vapors floating in the bulb, they become excited.
• After the electrons return to their unexcited position, light photons are released.
• These ultraviolet photons then mix with special coating in side the bulb producing visible light.

It almost sounds like a relationship between the electrons doesn't it? It really is. It's funny to think about light this way but that is how it works.

With fluorescent bulbs, phosphor lining the inside of the bulb fluoresces, thus producing light. The reason these bulbs are more efficient is that they produce less heat than a traditional light bulb. Most produce up to 100 lumens for every watt. Thus, most fluorescent bulbs are about five times more efficient than traditional lights. Ever wonder why so many office buildings use fluorescent lights? It's because they are more energy efficient.

Three-Way Light Bulbs

Since most people are fascinated with technology, let's take a moment to explore the mechanism behind three-way light bulbs. These light bulbs have two filaments instead of one inside the bulb. Thus, when you turn the light bulb on a low setting, the first filament produces heat and creates light. At the next setting, the second filament produces light. When you click your lamp to the third setting, both filaments are simultaneously lit, producing the greatest watts and light.

More on the story! - How Halogen Lights Differ From Incandescent Bulbs
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